BBK joins Fintech Forward 2026 as a Diamond Sponsor - The24X7News

Manama — The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) has been confirmed as a diamond sponsor of Fintech Forward 2026 (FF26), the region’s flagship fintech forum, which will take place on 7–8 October 2026 at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB). The forum, hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority and Bahrain Fintech Bay, is being programmed by Forbes Middle East under the theme “Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure.”

“Our continued participation in Fintech Forward reflects our belief in the importance of collaboration in fostering a dynamic and future-ready financial services ecosystem. The event is a valuable space for industry leaders and innovators to share perspectives and explore emerging opportunities. We look forward to being a part of this year’s discussions and supporting the continued development of the sector,” said Yaser Alsharifi, BBK Group Chief Executive Officer.

BBK’s diamond sponsorship marks the bank’s return to Fintech Forward for the second consecutive year, underscoring its strategic focus on fintech engagement and digital transformation. As part of its involvement, BBK will host a dedicated pavilion in the FF26 exhibition area to showcase its latest digital banking capabilities, including recent upgrades to BBK BanKey, the bank’s digital corporate banking platform.

What BBK will present and why it matters

• Exhibition presence: A dedicated BBK pavilion at EWB where the bank will demonstrate its digital banking products and services to attendees, partners and potential clients.
• Digital corporate banking: Prominent focus on BBK BanKey, which has recently been upgraded to enhance corporate client experience and streamline digital transaction workflows.
• Strategic engagement: Diamond sponsorship places BBK among the top-tier contributors to FF26’s programme, enabling the bank to participate in panels, roundtables and networking sessions with regional and global fintech stakeholders.

FF26 aims to convene key decision‑makers from across the global fintech ecosystem to explore the intersection of finance and intelligent infrastructure. With programming by Forbes Middle East and institutional backing from Bahrain’s economic and regulatory bodies, the forum intends to surface practical solutions and partnerships that address digitisation, regulatory frameworks and the operational needs of banks and fintech firms alike.

BBK’s participation follows broader trends among incumbent banks that are deepening investments in technology-driven solutions to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. By showcasing BBK BanKey and other digital initiatives at FF26, BBK seeks both to highlight its current capabilities and to signal openness to collaboration with fintechs, solution providers and regulators.

Looking ahead, BBK’s diamond sponsorship positions the bank to influence discussions around digital banking standards and corporate client servicing in the Gulf. The forum’s two-day agenda will provide a platform for BBK to engage with regional policymakers, fintech entrepreneurs and institutional partners as stakeholders assess opportunities and challenges under the “Finance in the Age of Intelligent Infrastructure” theme. With the event scheduled for early October at Exhibition World Bahrain, industry observers will be watching how BBK and other sponsors translate conference dialogue into concrete partnerships and product rollouts over the coming year.